Chichester ladies edge nine-goal thriller

Burgess Hill scored the opener with a well-taken free-kick. A handball in the penalty area gave Burgess Hill a penalty which was converted to make it 2-0.

Things looked worrying until Chichester decided to step up a gear and started to play some great football.

Kerri Grant scored with a fine strike from the edge of the area and Jenn Morley made it 2-2 with a left-footed strike finding the bottom corner.

Natalie Clarke made a diagonal run and latched on to a pass to make it 3-2 to Chichester before half-time.

In the second half, Grant got her second of the game to make it 4-2 and Chichester looked like they were going to peel away when opportunities were coming their way on a regular basis.

An unfortunate deflection off centre-back Abbie Garner gave Chelsie Collins no chance and it was suddenly 4-3.

Again, Chichester missed chances and persistence from the Burgess Hill No9 managed to get them an equaliser with 15 minutes to go.

Chichester didn’t drop their heads and still looked like they would find a winner – and woman of the match Grant did when she sealed her hat-trick – and the game for Chichester.

Chichester are away to Littlehampton this Sunday.

CHICHESTER: Collins, Wright, Garner, Pennington, Harnett, Cottam-Verbruggen, Smith (65), Selby (88), Clarke, Morley, Grant. Subs: Cole (65), Knowles (88).

UNDER-16

Felpham Girls 4 Horsham Sparrows 4

After a few weeks off, Felpham were caught napping in the first minute against Horsham and conceded a soft goal.

To their credit, with Sian Payne and Emily Diplock prominent in midfield, Felpham came back into the game and it was no surprise Heather McLinden equalised after good work from Amy Bailey.

Felpham grew in confidence and an excellent through ball from Payne allowed Bailey to finish in style to give Felpham the lead.

This lead was increased when Eloise Paine scored with a brilliant header after fine work from Maddy Delongsdon.

However, Horsham responded well and scored twice before half-time to level.

Both sides had chances in the second half but Horsham took the lead.

To their credit, Felpham took the game to Horsham with Bailey and Hannah Ward outstanding for the home side and a deserved equaliser came from a Delongsdon header.

Payne was denied twice by the Horsham keeper as Felpham sought a winner but honours were even in a game that was credit to both sides.

FELPHAM: Russell; Luff; Ward; Stonelake; Makey; McLinden; Bailey; Diplock; Payne; Watson-Williams; Meek. Subs: Paine; Oliver, Delongsdon.

Chichester City 2 Marle Place Wanderers 1

Chichester made a nervous start and Marle Park piled on the pressure and making sure most of the play was in the Chichester half.

The defence were working hard and Leeming’s pace and cool head helped Chichester regain possession when under threat.

Adams was outstanding once more between the sticks. She made fine save on a one-on-one situation which looked hopeless.

Challen worked tirelessly and, after 17 minutes, played a superb pass to the determined Adfield who made a solo run and scored against the run of play.

Fisher and Howard played well to thwart the away team.

Ellis, just before half-time, punished a defensive error and put the home side two ahead.

In the second half, Campbell and Hilton were effective in midfield. But the away team scored a deserved consolation ten minutes from time. Chichester held on to their lead to continue their recent unbeaten record.

CHICHESTER: Georgie Adams, Coral Campbell, Gabi Fisher, Courtney De Ste Croix, Alice Leeming, Jodie Adfield, Olivia Howard, Lucie Challen, Isola Hilton, Jess Harnett, Lauren Ellis.